Gemma Collins burst onto our screens in 2011 when she joined the cast of The Only Way Is Essex as a humble car salesman.
And over the four years that followed, she became a household name on the beloved reality show with her iconic one-liners and dramatic arguments.
Since leaving the show, she has accumulated a huge platform and 2.2 million Instagram followers and has earned millions from various businesses, TV appearances and brand deals.
And after raising the money, Gemma – who is reportedly worth £7.3million – hasn’t been shy about showing off her lavish travels and designer wardrobe.
This week, the 42-year-old is enjoying a luxurious trip to Sicily, where she’s lounged on yachts and dined out.
Lavish: A look at how Gemma Collins made her fortune after TOWIE catapulted her to fame and 7 MILLION riches – while flaunting a lavish lifestyle on a lavish trip to Sicily
Success: Gemma Collins burst onto our screens in 2011 when she joined the cast of The Only Way Is Essex as a humble car salesman
Speaking of her spending habits, the TV star previously told MailOnline, “At one point I had money to burn. I had Knightsbridge fever.
‘I was spending £50,000 a day at Gucci. But shopping gets boring after a while if you can afford it.’
So here’s MailOnline looking back at how she made her millions…
Reality TV:
After leaving TOWIE, Gemma has appeared in several TV shows, including a brief stint on I’m A Celebrity, Celebrity Big Brother, and Dancing on Ice – all of which she would have received fees for.
She also fronted her own reality show called Diva Forever, which followed her daily life – including a series through lockdown.
Gemma appeared on I’m A Celebrity on ITV2 in 2014, but walked out of camp just three days after arriving in the jungle.
Said at the time “life in the jungle isn’t for me” and joked that “people who kill are treated better than this.”
Star: After leaving TOWIE, Gemma has appeared in several TV shows, including a brief stint on I’m A Celebrity (pictured), Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing on Ice – all of which she would have received fees for
Cash: She then took part in Celebrity Big Brother in January 2016. She reportedly earned £100,000 for her time in the house
TV Shows: In 2019, she then competed in Dancing On Ice. She also earned a fee of £100,000 for this show
She also spoke on the ITV show about “starving” hunger as meals are rationed.
According to sources, Gemma received £4,800 from I’m A Celeb and donated the money to Save The Children charity.
She next took part in Celebrity Big Brother in January 2016. She reportedly earned £100,000 for her time in the house.
The blonde beauty entered the house as a reality TV star and left as a cultural phenomenon – The GC – after a string of iconic moments, including her one-liner, “I’m claustrophobic, Darren!”
In 2019 she then participated in Dancing On Ice. She also earned a fee of £100,000 for this show.
Clothing ranges:
The former car dealer runs her own fashion empire, has a range with Boohoo and is known for landing big endorsement deals.
In May 2022, she reportedly signed a £1 million deal to become the face of clothing company New Look.
A source told The Sun at the time: ‘Gemma is big business and when New Look approached her about a collaboration they were willing to pay a lot of money.
The deal that Gemma has signed will make her New Look’s main celebrity ambassador and she will also be launching her own collection.
Wow! In May 2022, she reportedly signed a £1 million deal to become the face of clothing company New Look (pictured at launch)
Money: In 2016, she signed a deal with Boohoo to promote her products on social media and in 2017, she also became the face of fast fashion brand Missguided
Strings to her bow: The former car dealer runs her own fashion empire, has a range with Boohoo and is known for landing big endorsement deals
“Gemma’s contract with New Look is long overdue, so she could easily earn over £1 million.”
In 2016 she signed a deal with Boohoo to promote her products on social media and in 2017 she also became the face of fast fashion brand Missguided.
Offers from other brands:
Over the years, Gemma Collins has signed huge branding deals with various companies in a wide variety of domains.
She has signed huge contracts with the likes of Wizz Air and Surf, as well as beverage company Malibu.
The ‘meme queen’ surprised everyone in 2017 when she showed up on Orange is the New Black to quit the show.
She also created a line of sex toys with Durex last year while telling people to be open about sex and has teamed up with LoveHoney and Boots.
Gemma also sold clothes on Depop to earn some extra money before closing her account in 2022.
Alcohol: She has signed huge contracts with companies including Wizz Air and Surf, as well as beverage company Malibu (pictured)
Career: In 2019, Gemma launched her own podcast The Gemma Collins podcast, which has become hugely successful
Podcast and theater work:
In 2019, Gemma launched her own podcast The Gemma Collins podcast, which has become hugely successful.
The synopsis reads: “The Gemma Collins Podcast is an unfettered glimpse into the life of The GC, with plenty of candid conversation, laughter and insider gossip straight from the diva herself.”
In 2021, she also raked in £250,000 for just one week’s work on her The GC’s Big Night Out tour.
In 2022, she also landed a role in a Chicago production as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton.
She was slated to play the role until the end of July with appearances in Sunderland, Cardiff, Blackpool, Sheffield, Norwich and Oxford.
She then said, ‘It’s official! I will be joining @chicagoonstage and playing Matron ‘Mama’ Morton starting Tuesday, May 31, 2022!’
“I’m so excited #allthatjazz #GCdoesChicago.”
However, she had to pull out of the role at the last minute due to a pre-existing knee injury.